inner circle

American  

noun

1. a small, intimate, and often influential group of people.

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Etymology

Origin of inner circle

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

In Iraq, Saddam Hussein built dozens of palaces for top-level Bath party officials, Republican Guard leadership, and members of his family and inner circle.

From Salon • Mar. 24, 2026

Come March and April, this person enters our inner circle — an intimate partner who digs into our financial life.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

Ryu, whose father-in-law is still part of Kim Jong Un's inner circle, says the debate around Kim's heir may be a goal in itself.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

Many of them from her own party, governors, members of, if not her inner circle, certainly the next circle of influence.

From Slate • Feb. 25, 2026

It didn’t hit the bull’s-eye, but it came within the inner circle.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas